Author Paul Fleischman's Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal, created a text that embraced the varying"versions" of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. Fleishman's tale keeps the sequence of the tale to be similar to the original version, while allowing for comparision and differentiation between cultures and traditions throughout the world. The themes that have resonated throughout this classic remain to be conquering evil with love.
Illustrator Julie Paschkis use of bright watercolor paintings demonstrate vibrant-colored individuals in the traditional dress of their native country. When looking closely at these figures, it is almost giving the sense of folk art images. I connected these illustrations with local painter Nancy Thomas, and her use of contemporary art that show wonderful color and warmth. Paschkis full page-bleeds of the illustrations depict images and people within the specific culture or area of the world, while providing a color scheme that sets the text and illustrations apart. Her use of color in the frames of the text, illustrations, and page give an overall warm and welcoming feeling to the reader, almost created a quilt-like image that shows the relationships between the countries. Along with the illustrations, Fleishman's placement of the text allows readers to follow in sequence of the story and reveal the similarities and differences in the story.
Fleishman and Paschkis Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal provided the opportunity for readers to explore this well-known tale, and how different parts of the world interpreted and conformed it to become a story that told of their customs, traditions, and values. The last page, a full page bleed, shows Cinderella's wedding to her King, bringing together all of the images of people depicted throughout the book - demonstrating an overall feeling of celebration in unity and and diversity throughout the world.
Nancy Thomas Art homepage: http://www.nancythomas.com/cart/cover.html
I can’t wait to experience this book, especially because of the comparison you’ve made to Nancy Thomas…I love Nancy Thomas. The conversations about cultures throughout the world come hand-in-hand when sharing this book. Students would be able to make global connections and experience how traditions and values are celebrated in different places. Again, as we have seen in other Fleischman book, he pushes the envelope by taking risks as a writer. Incorporating many cultures into one common tale is definitely a “new take” on the fairytale – at least from what I have experienced. I respect the risks that Fleischman takes.
ReplyDelete